Monday, September 26, 2011

Building Analysts and Energy Audits Virginia

Auditing one's residence is really nothing new. At certain places, it has been customary for people to check leaks in their home's insulation system before the rough seasons begin. As a result, they increase or lower the heat when necessary and perform energy audit Virginia style in their homes.

Technically speaking, an energy audit inspects, surveys and analyzes the flow and conservation of energy in a building, the initial goal of which is to reduce the amount of energy being used in the system without compromising the quality of output. It allows for a more human and environmentally - friendly home. You will be doing your part to save Mother Nature by having a so called green home.

An energy audit is usually done this way. Armed with specialized equipment, an energy specialist will test relevant facilities and collect data from around your house. An auditor will test for the air tightness of the building to establish its capacity to retain or deflect heat and cold.

The audit also checks the heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and thermostat to determine overall system efficiency and conditions. The auditor may also predict energy consumption based on the forces that act upon the house from the outside. Gas and electricity bills also give hints as to what equipment consumes the most energy at a given time.

Your insight, as a homeowner is a valuable part of the assessment process. It will be helpful to disclose common household practices to the auditor. The ratio of people using specific devices at a time can influence energy consumption.

Ultimately, you will have a better home and fewer unnecessary costs. The audit may also be used as referral for government funding for the improvement of your home with regards to energy consumption. Performing an energy audit of your home is one of the few beneficial things that come without any adverse effects.

Various agencies in the US, both private and public offer home energy assessments. Energy audit companies are expected to propose solutions after conducting tests. There are several energy companies to choose from, whose services range from auditing to sealing and insulation services.

Generally, energy audit companies run three kinds of audit: preliminary, general, and investment-grade. The first step is a kind of inspection wherein the auditor evaluates the whole building enclosure in terms of type and efficiency without using any specialized equipment. Auditors call this the walk through.

Building performance audit gives you a thorough investigation of the property using diagnostic equipment like blower doors and thermal cameras. You will be asked to produce utility bills for the past 12 to 36 months so that a usage profile can be established and a more detailed financial analysis and recommendations be made. The last type is done for companies seeking for secure return of revenues from their capital.

Contact local energy audit companies in Virginia to find out how you can take advantage of this great opportunity. One survey affirmed that Virginia homes are becoming more and more energy efficient. The growth of energy audit firms in the place may have been one of the best reasons why.

For more information and additional tips, checking this online site
will help.